After a loved one dies, in addition to planning the funeral itself, a number of associated details require attention. Friends, coworkers, and fellow congregants can play a major role in relieving the bereaved family of many of these tasks.

Our ratings of area funeral homes will help you find a firm you can trust. We advise that you never go by yourself to a funeral home to choose services. Take along a less-involved companion to assure you that sensible decisions are made.

There are several options for disposing of a deceased person’s remains: Burial, cremation, and donation to a medical school. Cremation is an increasingly popular choice, and is far less expensive than a traditional funeral.

When planning a funeral, many decisions must be made. Ceremonies can range from a simple, direct disposition to a lavish funeral. You’ll need to determine what would be a meaningful commemoration of the deceased. We review the various options.

There is tremendous price variation among funeral homes for identical caskets. Many homes mark up caskets three to five times wholesale; some have even higher markups. Many consumers are increasingly buying caskets elsewhere.

After your death, part or all of your body can be donated to improve the quality of life of others—or offer the gift of life itself. Donation of at least some body parts is an option for almost anyone, regardless of age or medical history.